Bridal House

Statement of Significance

The place is a good example of a three-storey commercial building exhibiting the characteristics of the Federation Romanesque style, which was not common in building design in the first decades of the twentieth century. It is representative of the type and form of commercial building in Perth CBD at that time. The place is part of a streetscape of landmark buildings mainly late nineteenth century with a small number of inter-war period buildings and a small number of mid twentieth century buildings. Together his collection of buildings, including Bridal House forms a precinct of strong aesthetic value. The place has historic value for its close association with many well-known families who significantly contributed to the commercial, cultural and social history and development of the City of Perth as well as the broader Western Australian community including the Sholl, Wilson and Masel families as well as individuals such as Brendah Barrye and businesses such as Perth Book Lovers Library. The place is associated with Wilson’s business that operated out of Bridal House (fmr Sholl’s Building) was a well-known and popular destination for the women of Perth and Western Australia and responsible for dressing many of the brides of Perth for over 40 years. The place is representative of commercial and retail activity in the central Perth CBD on the major retail street for over 100 years, and changes to the ground floor and basement represent changes in retail and activity in the CBD.

Physical Description

External - The place is of three storey construction with a small frontage and a single shop front at ground level. The shop front is modern with metal framed bi-fold doors allowing for a wide open entrance. Above is a cantilevered boxed awning with suspended signage below. It has a triangular pediment parapet atop a decorative cornice. To either side of the parapet is a pinnacle with a pier below. The windows to the second storey are two pier arches with sashes aligning below on the first floor. The piers continue through to the canopy. Internal - No internal access.

History

The building was constructed in 1896 for Edward Sholl (1854-1896), a prominent barrister and solicitor, and the building was known as Sholl’s Building. Sholl died before the building was completed. The architect or builder has not been determined however it is noted that in 1897, Fanny Sholl, Edward Sholl's widow, engaged architect Henry Trigg to design a residence in Peppermint Grove for her. The Bohemia Club advertised its occupancy of its new rooms in May 1898. The ground floor of the building was used for retail and office space and other businesses were located on the upper two floors and basement. The ground floor tenancy was occupied during the early 20th century by booksellers and the Book Lovers Library was located on the premises. The ground floor and basement of the building was occupied in the early 1900s by E.J. Norman a picture framer and the upper levels were leased as professional rooms. On the second floor was the Bohemia Club. Some of the other tenants include accountants, solicitor, tailors and dressmakers, dentist and real estate agent. The Sholl family sold the building in 1967. In 1954 the Wilsons leased the building, and bought it in 1967, and established Wilson’s Bridal and Dress Fabric store. All floors of the building were used for the business which was very successful. From the mid 1970s the building was known as Bridal House. The ground floor is used as retail, however the upper floors are not currently occupied.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update